Korean Job Discussion Forums

[CleverUserName]

I've seen the odd post here and there for musicians in Korea, some people looking for people to play with, others for places to see music.
The wife and I are trying to choose a country to teach in come spring, and we've narrowed it down to China, Japan and Korea. I know most of the drawbacks and benefits of each place, but not the music aspects.

I consider myself a semi-pro, having been gigging regularly, writing and recording music. While I know it's not going to be like a med-large sized US city, would I be totally screwing myself here? I'd like to continue playing and if possible continue recording new material. I expect to rent rehearsal space, but beyond that, I'm in the dark.

Also, I think I read a while back foreigners on teacher's visas cannot be paid for live performance. Is this accurate?

Finally, if any of you have taught with musicians or played in any of the other countries I mentioned, can you offer any input?

Thanks for your time friends.

[SirFink]

I'm certain you can't legally be paid for performing music if you're on an E2 visa.

I have a friend who is a professional musician who has toured and played extensively in China, especially Shanghai. I have another friend who is a semi-pro bassist who taught English in Japan. Both had lots of great things to say about the music scenes.

Korea? Yeesh. There's plenty of foreigners who play music but as far as a "scene" in Seoul or any other city? No. There are pockets of good taste here and there, but the country is drowning in syrupy sweet boy band pop music and horrible rap. Good music to the average Korean is the latest pop hit as their cellphone's ring-tone.

As far as musical equipment -- much like everything else in Korea -- there is little variety. Just as 99% of the cars on Korea's roads are Korean-made, 99% of the guitars in guitar shops are Korean-made with the odd Yamaha, Gibson or Taylor priced at twice what you'd pay for it in the West. If you're not planning on bringing your own guitar better get cozy with the idea of playing a cheap Cort for a year.

[anyangoldboy]

WHen any foreigner comes to korea they for some odd reason become a musician

[robot]

You can easily rent space in many places around Seoul for about US $10 an hour. The amps, drums, cords, and PA are all supplied.

It's hard to find and keep good players, though, as most people stay only temporarily in Korea. As soon as you get a good crew together, someone will finish their contract and take off. You might look for Korean nationals, but besides the language barrier problem, you may also find that a huge percentage of Korean musicians are extremely robotic players who may have technical proficiency, but shockingly little creativity. The same can be said of Korean music in general -- but what can you expect from a nation who demands that their kids do nothing but study from early morning til late at night? Of course they will be retarded when it comes to creativity.

Depending on what genre you play, you might be able to find gigs. There's a sliver of a punk scene in Hongdae, and a small demand for good jazz at the ritzier restaurants, and some foreigner rock bars (though they're hardly a scene). But you can't gig for $ legally or you risk being fined or deported (though chances are slim).

If you try hard enough you can make it work, but if music is of the utmost importance, I'd head to Japan. Of course, there are many other factors in which Korea kicks Japan's arse, but when it comes to music Korea is like a slobbering idiot comparatively.

[Harpeau]

Over the last 6 or so years, there has developed a pretty decent foreigner scene in the Seoul area. Many bands have formed and transformed. You do need to be careful since getting paide on an E-2 VISA is illegal.

The Haebangchon Music Festival took place last weekend and it was lots of fun! It's great to see so many talented people... there is always room for more. Hoping that you find your heart in Seoul!

Cheers!

[CleverUserName]

Thanks for the insight...I kind of had the feeling Japan would be a better spot, and you guys have confirmed it for me. Too bad the money's not as good there. I will take this into consideration.
Thanks again

[Hanson]